In search of one of the best nationwide parks to go to in October?
October is a fantastic time to go to the Nationwide Parks. The children are again at school (yay, no youngsters!), fall colours are out, and it’s nice climate for getting open air.
Final Up to date: September 26, 2023
Earlier than we get into it, we wish to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Depart no Hint Rules. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, depart what you discover, reduce campfire impression, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
Concerning the Nationwide Park by month Collection
To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal points of interest like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions occurring within the space. We additionally thought of any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure instances of the 12 months to search out probably the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was quite a bit!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, take a look at our full listing of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park models that embrace soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We additionally selected to not embrace the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories on this collection.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
Is October a Good Time to Go to Nationwide Parks?
Sure! It’s a good time to go to Nationwide Parks, particularly for fall colours. We struggled to slender down the listing, so we included 17.
Plan on visiting greater than two nationwide parks this 12 months? Decide up an America the Stunning annual cross to save cash (entrance charges to every park are, on common, $30-35 per automobile). Plus, you’re serving to assist the Parks that at all times want funding.
17 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in October
1. Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine →
25 Customer Middle Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, map
Common Temperatures: 55° F / 38° F
Why Go to: Mid-October is one of the best time to go to for leaf-peeping. Though it’s crowded, the colours are beautiful sufficient to make it value it. We caught the final of the autumn foliage in late October.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Rock Climbing, Biking, Lobster Boat Cruise, Kayaking, Tidepooling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Cadillac Mountain, Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, Precipice Path, Thunder Gap, Scenic Park Loop Street
- Wildlife – Seals, Harbor Porpoises, Moose, Black Bears, Whitetail Deer, Beavers
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: If you wish to drive up Cadillac Summit Street, you at the moment are required to get a ticket. See extra particulars right here Recreation.gov.
See Extra: 15 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Acadia Nationwide Park
2. Arches Nationwide Park, Utah →
38.6165892,-109.6220349, map
Common Temperatures: 71° F / 41° F
Why Go to: October is without doubt one of the finest months to go to Arches Nationwide Park. The climate continues to be heat through the day and cools at night time. That makes it good for climbing to see the arches up shut.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Biking, Tenting, Canyoneering, Images
Don’t Miss:
Professional Tip: They’ve a Ranger-Led Fiery Furnace Hike that fills up rapidly. Be sure you sign up early!
See Extra: The Final GUide to Arches Nationwide Park
3. Large Bend Nationwide Park, Texas →
310, Alstate Ave, Large Bend Nationwide Park, TX 79834, map
Common Temperatures: 75° F / 55° F
Why Go to: Large Bend will get heat days and chilly nights in October. Since so many trails supply little to no shade, it’s important to go to when the climate isn’t too sizzling to see.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Day Hikes, River Journeys, Stargazing, Backpacking, Scorching Springs
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Santa Elena Canyon, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Balanced Rock, Langford Scorching Springs
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Western Pipistrelle Bat, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Elk
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: The park covers a big space and might take time to get from one place to the following. Give your self loads of journey time. Additionally, remember that some trails require high-clearance automobiles to get to.
See Extra: 11 Superb Issues to Do in Large Bend Nationwide Park
4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park, Colorado →
10346 CO-347, Montrose, CO 81401, map
Common Temperatures: 68° F / 39° F
Why Go to: October is a good time to go to the park to discover the viewpoints and trails with out worrying concerning the warmth. If you happen to’re fortunate, you could even see a light-weight dusting of snow, making it much more magical.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Viewpoints, Climbing, Images
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – South Rim Street, Warner Level Nature Path, East Portal Street
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Elk, Eagles, Mule Deer, Bears
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Native Tip: If you wish to discover the park past overlooks and a Customer Middle, you will need to plan forward of time. There aren’t any maintained or marked trails into the canyon. Plus, entry to the river is on the opposite aspect of the canyon.
See Extra: 9 Superb Issues to Do in Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nationwide Park
5. Canyonlands Nationwide Park, Utah
38.459836,-109.8252133, map
Common Temperatures: 70° F / 38° F
Why Go to: The climate is gorgeous in October in Canyonlands Nationwide Park. Pack layers for the chilly mornings and evenings. Through the day, you possibly can absorb the solar whereas climbing the paths.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Backpacking, Tenting, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Island within the Sky (Most Accessible), The Needles, The Maze, Horseshoe Canyon, The Rivers
- Wildlife – Mule Deer, Kangaroo Rats, Mountain Lions, Bighorn Sheep, Black Bear, Desert Cottontails
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: You want a four-wheel drive to discover many components of this park.
See Extra: The Mighty 5 Utah Nationwide Parks Street Journey
6. Capitol Reef Nationwide Park, Utah
38.2914642,-111.264238, map
Common Temperatures: 65° F / 41° F
Why Go to: October is without doubt one of the hottest instances to go to Capitol Reef Nationwide Park due to the perfect climbing climate. You usually don’t have to fret about snow or rain.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Tenting, Backpacking, Scenic Drives, Ranger Applications
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Fruita, Cathedral Valley, Sulpher Creek, Petroglyph Panel, Gifford Home, Decide Fruits
- Wildlife – Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Ringtail, Marmots, Grey Fox, Canyon Bat
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
See Extra: Full Listing of Nationwide Parks by State
7. Carlsbad Caverns Nationwide Park, New Mexico
727 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy, Carlsbad, NM 88220, map
Common Temperatures: 71° F / 49° F
Why Go to: The Bat Flight Program (late Might by way of October at 7 pm) is a spotlight that you simply shouldn’t miss. In October, the cooler climate makes exploring the floor trails extra nice too,
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Wildlife Viewing, Guided Excursions, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – at Flight Program, Guadalupe Ridge Path, Large Room, and Pure Entrance Trails
- Wildlife – Vesper Bats, Coyotes, Grey Fox, Equipment Fox, Pronghorn, Vipers, Bobcat, Black Bears,
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: No digital units are allowed (together with cameras and cell telephones) through the Bat Flight Program.
See Extra: 11 Greatest Issues to Do in El Paso Texas
8. Congaree Nationwide Park, South Carolina →
100 Nationwide Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, map
Common Temperatures: 75° F / 52° F
Why Go to: Congaree Nationwide Park’s fall colours peak in the direction of the top of October. The cooler temperatures make it a good time to go climbing or paddle down the river.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Tenting
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Boardwalk Loop Path, Canoe or Kayak, Bluff Path
- Wildlife – Bobcats, Deer, Feral Pigs, Coyotes, Armadillos, Otters
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Professional Tip: If you happen to’re not snug paddling down a river your self, you possibly can join ranger-led paddles.
See Extra: 11 Distinctive Issues to Do in Congaree Nationwide Park
9. Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park, Ohio
6947 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, map
Common Temperatures: 62° F / 46° F
Why Go to: The autumn leaves in Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park normally peak in late October, making it the proper autumn getaway.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Biking, Scenic Practice Journey, Fishing, Paddling
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Path, Ledges Overlook, Brandywine Falls, Canal Exploration Middle
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Crimson Foxes, Grey Foxes, Bats, Deer, Mink
- What number of days do you want? 2-3
10. Nice Smoky Mountain Nationwide Park
2 Everett St, Bryson Metropolis, NC 28713, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 36° F
Why Go to: Sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, crimson maple, and hickories explode in colours from mid-October to early November. It attracts leaf-peeping crowds, so be ready for it to be busy. You might have to courageous the crowds, but it surely’s value it.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Tenting, Scenic Drives, Biking, Fall Colours
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path, Blue Ridge Parkway
- Wildlife – Elk, Black Bears, Bobcat, Whitetail Deer, Coyote, Pygmy Shrew
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
Professional Tip: To keep away from crowds, get out of the automotive and go on longer hikes. You’ll nonetheless see folks, however it will likely be a lot fewer than straightforward to get to spots.
See Extra: 11 Can’t Miss Issues to Do in Pigeon Forge TN
11. Isle Royale Nationwide Park, Michigan
800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, map
Common Temperatures: 48° F / 38° F
Why Go to: With a restricted season ending in October, that is your final likelihood to go to this park earlier than ready one other six months. It’s normally much less crowded, too, though it by no means will get that busy in comparison with different nationwide parks.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Backpacking, Tenting, Fishing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Journey, Greenstone Ridge Path, Tour the three Lighthouses
- Wildlife – Moose, Wolves, Elk, Snowshoe Hares, Foxes, Mink, Beavers
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
12. New River GOrge Nationwide Park, West Virginia
162 Customer Middle Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 44° F
Why Go to: As one of many latest Nationwide Parks, it has rapidly earned a spot as among the finest parks for fall foliage, peaking in mid to late October. The cool temps make it good for climbing and climbing too.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Tenting, Whitewater Rafting, Climbing, Biking, Climbing, Scenic Drives, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – New River Gorge Bridge, Grandview, Sandstone Falls, Nuttallburg
- Wildlife – Groundhog, Coyotes, Crimson Foxes, Grey Foxes, Black Bears, Bobcats, White-Tailed Deer
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
13. Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, Arizona
1 Park Rd, Petrified Forest Nationwide Park, AZ 86028, map
Common Temperatures: 73° F / 42° F
Why Go to: Summer season is the busiest and wettest season of the park, however come October, the temperatures are gentle, and all of the rain rewards you with wildflowers blooming.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing, Backpacking, Bicycling, Horseback Using
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Blue Mesa Path, Crimson Basin, Rim Path, Painted Desert Overlooks, Newspaper Rock
- Wildlife – Pronghorn, Coyote, Equipment Fox, Bobcat Mule Deer, Badger
- What number of days do you want? 1-2
Professional Tip: Discover the park East to West, and you’ll see all the pieces with out backtracking.
14. Shenandoah Nationwide Park, Virginia
Skyline Drive Milepost 51, Stanley, VA 22851, map
Common Temperatures: 58° F / 39° F
Why Go to: October is the height season for fall foliage viewing and is the park’s busiest time, with roughly 25% of its yearly guests in a single month. You’ll be able to see the leaves from the automotive and viewpoints or hop on considered one of its 500 hundred miles of trails.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Scenic Drives, Fall Foliage, Climbing, Backpacking, Wildlife Viewing, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Skyline Drive, Outdated Rag Mountain, Large Meadows, The Level Overlook, Dickey Ridge
- Wildlife – Black Bear, Large Brown Bat, Skunks, White-Tailed Deer
- What number of days do you want? 2-4
15. Voyageurs Nationwide Park, Minnesota
360 MN-11, Worldwide Falls, MN 56649, map
Common Temperatures: 52° F / 33° F
Why Go to: You’ll be able to catch the tail finish of fall foliage in October with fewer folks, fewer mosquitoes, and funky temperatures. Additionally, don’t miss out on the prospect to catch the Northern Lights at night time.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Stargazing, Guided Excursions, Fowl Watching
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Echo Bay Path, Grassy Bay Cliffs, Ellsworth Rock Gardens, Anderson Bay, Harry Oveson Fish Camp
- Wildlife – Moose, Grey Wolf, Beaver, Bald Eagle
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Parts of the park can solely be accessed through the water. Verify the Guests Middle for more information.
16. White Sands Nationwide Park, New Mexico →
19955 US-70, Alamogordo, NM 88310, map
Common Temperatures: 79° F / 41° F
Why Go to: October is without doubt one of the quieter months at White Sands Nationwide Park. It’s a good time to discover the dunes with nobody in sight or to even camp and gaze on the stars above. You’ll additionally discover some cottonwoods altering colours at the moment.
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Climbing, Bicycling, Backcountry Tenting, Images, Stargazing, Sledding
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Sledding, Dune Life Nature Path, Alkali Flat Path, Playa Path
- Wildlife – American Badger, Apache Pocket Mouse, Black-Tailed Jackrabbit, Bobcat, Coyote, Equipment Fox
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Because you’re climbing on dunes, you will need to verify for path markers. It could possibly get disorienting in a short time. We bought misplaced.
See Extra: 5 Unbelievable Issues to Do at White Sands Nationwide Park
17. Wind Cave Nationwide Park, South Dakota
26611 US-385, Scorching Springs, SD 57747, map
Common Temperatures: 63° F / 35° F
Why Go to: Though the cave stays the identical temperature year-round, October additionally brings you nice climate for exploring the floor trails. The encompassing grasslands and forested hillsides are stunning and an excellent place to identify wildlife
Greatest For / Prime Actions: Excursions, Climbing, Wildlife, Scenic Drives
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Wind Cave Tour, Prairie Vista, Elk Mountain, Bison Flats, Boland Ridge
- Wildlife – Bison, Prairie Canine, Black Footed Ferret, Elk, Bobcats, Mountain Lions
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Cease by the Customer Middle for more information about cave excursions.
Map of the Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in October
Wish to See Extra Nationwide Parks to Go to in October?
If you happen to love nationwide parks like us and have completed lots of the above, listed below are some extra concepts for Nationwide Parks to go to in October. Whereas October is probably not the highest two splendid months out of the 12 months to go to these parks, it’s not a foul time both.
Suggestions for Visiting the Greatest Nationwide Parks in October
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace principles.
- Decide up the Nationwide Park Annual Go in case you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the 12 months. It saves you some huge cash.
- Wish to see the fall foliage? Local weather change and droughts this 12 months will make timing extra unpredictable. We usually go onto the geotag on Instagram or Tiktok and scroll by way of all of the latest posts to see what it’s wanting like. Remember that some folks publish older content material, so I like to take a look at the grid or ones that non-influencers are posting. You too can depart a remark and ask after they went.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat through the day and funky at night time. Take note of the elevation change too! Some parks will probably be heat on the valley flooring and chilly at larger elevations.
- Chances are you’ll want a reservation. See nationwide parks that now require reservations right here.
- At all times verify the park’s website and Guests Middle for probably the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Do not forget that wildlife is wild. Be acquainted with methods to work together with animals and the way a lot area it’s best to have between you and them.
Often Requested Questions
Is October an excellent time to go to nationwide parks
Sure, October is a good time to go to nationwide parks in the US. The climate is usually gentle, the crowds are smaller than in the summertime, and the autumn foliage is beautiful in lots of parks.
Is it higher to go to the nationwide parks in October or November?
It will depend on what you’re searching for. If you wish to see the autumn foliage at its peak, October is the higher month to go to. Nonetheless, in case you’re searching for even smaller crowds, cooler climate, and fewer bugs, November could also be a greater possibility.
Is Zion Nationwide Park open in October? Is October an excellent time to go to Zion?
Sure, Zion Nationwide Park is open in October. October is a good time to go to Zion, because the climate is gentle and the crowds are smaller than in the summertime. The autumn foliage can be stunning, though it’s not as dramatic as in another parks.
How busy is Yellowstone in October?
Yellowstone continues to be busy in October, but it surely’s not as crowded as it’s in the summertime. You’ll be able to count on to see bigger crowds on weekends and holidays.
Is Yosemite fairly in October?
Sure, Yosemite may be very fairly in October. The autumn foliage is beautiful, and the climate is gentle. Nonetheless, it’s essential to notice that among the park’s larger elevations could also be closed because of snow in October.
How busy is Yosemite in October?
Yosemite continues to be busy in October, but it surely’s not as crowded as it’s in the summertime. You’ll be able to count on to see bigger crowds on weekends and holidays.
How busy is Bryce Canyon in October?
Bryce Canyon is busy in October, but it surely’s not as crowded as it’s in the summertime. It’s nonetheless an excellent time to go to, simply keep away from holidays and weekends in case you can.
Is Arches Nationwide Park crowded in October?
The cool climate is a good time to discover Arches so it’ll nonetheless be busy. Summer season continues to be peak visitation so in case you keep away from weekends and holidays, October is a good time to go to.
How busy is Grand Teton Nationwide Park in October?
Grand Teton Nationwide Park is busy in October due to the autumn foliage. It’s nonetheless not as busy as summer season, however it may nonetheless get crowded, particularly on weekends and holidays.
How is Glacier Nationwide Park in October?
Glacier Nationwide Park is partially open in October, however lots of the park’s roads and trails are closed because of snow. You’ll be able to nonetheless go to among the lower-elevation areas of the park, comparable to Lake McDonald. Verify the park’s web site for present circumstances earlier than you go to.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of finest nationwide parks to go to in October? Which of them are we lacking?
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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many high 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey may be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover regionally. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and at present base themselves in Las Vegas.
Observe on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest.
